Kathmandu – Chilime Hydropower Company Limited, one of Nepal’s most prominent hydropower developers and a subsidiary of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), is spearheading the development of nearly 600 megawatts (MW) of hydropower capacity across the country. These projects are being developed directly by the company and through its various subsidiary entities, and they are at various stages ranging from generation to construction and pre-construction.

According to company officials, a total of 9 hydropower projects with a combined installed capacity of 596.4 MW are either operational, under construction, or in active development.

Operational Projects

• The 22.1 MW Chilime Hydropower Project, developed and owned directly by the company, is currently generating electricity and supplying power to the national grid.

• Three additional projects, developed through subsidiary companies and fully commissioned, include:

  • 14.8 MW Upper Sanjen Hydropower Project

  • 42.5 MW Sanjen Hydropower Project

  • 111 MW Rasuwagadhi Hydropower Project
    All three are successfully operational and are supplying power to the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA).

Near-Completion and Ongoing Projects

• The 102 MW Mid-Bhotekoshi Hydropower Project, being developed through a subsidiary company, is in its final stage of completion, with preparations underway for grid connection and electricity generation.

• A 304 MW portfolio comprising four projects is currently in the construction or preparatory phase:

  • 87 MW Seti Nadi-3 Partial Reservoir Project

  • 81 MW Budhigandaki Prok Hydropower Project

  • 91 MW Budhigandaki Hydropower Project

  • 45 MW Chumchet Syakhola Hydropower Project

Construction permits for the Budhigandaki and Chumchet Syakhola projects have been secured, while the remaining two projects are in the process of obtaining final construction approvals.

Progress and Challenges in Development

• Budhigandaki Feasibility Study:
  The feasibility study of the Budhigandaki Hydropower Project faced significant delays due to the Government of Nepal not issuing site visit permissions for over two and a half years. However, the necessary clearance has now been granted, and the project study has resumed.

• Seti Nadi-3 Financial Management:
  Discussions are ongoing with various financial institutions to secure funding for the Seti Nadi-3 partial reservoir project. With the access road already completed, Chilime plans to commence construction immediately upon financial closure.

• Access Road Development:
  For the Budhigandaki Prok and Chumchet Syakhola projects, road infrastructure is under development. The Nepali Army is leading excavation efforts, and construction work on the hydropower plants will begin as soon as access to the sites is established.

Strategic Importance

Chilime Hydropower’s ambitious project pipeline reflects its central role in Nepal’s drive toward energy self-reliance and clean energy expansion. With a mix of run-of-the-river and reservoir-based projects, the company is positioning itself as a key contributor to stabilizing Nepal's electricity supply throughout the year.